Microsoft cuts Patch Tuesday release from eight to four fixes

Microsoft has downgraded Tuesday's monthly security update to just four fixes after initially planning to release twice that.

Since issuing its advance notification advisory last week, the Redmond, Wash. software giant has axed three scheduled patches - with a maximum severity rating of "important" - for holes in Windows, Office and Visual Studio and one "critical" fix for a Windows flaw.

But the company still plans to issue four "critical" fixes - three for Office and one for Windows.

A company spokesman said Microsoft reserves the right to alter its planned patch releases.

"The number of bulletins, products affected, restart information and severities are subject to change until released," he said. "There are many factors that impact the release of a security update, and every vulnerability presents its own unique challenges."

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